The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting market research for a future acquisition of the Border Security Boat – Shallow Water River. This shore-based boat is primarily for Law Enforcement operations, including Drug and Migrant Interdiction on the Rio Grande. Key physical constraints include a length of 18-22ft and a trailered beam of 8ft 6in maximum. The boat must operate in riverine environments with as little as 2 inches of water, withstand frequent impacts with the river bottom, and function in temperatures from 32F to 110F. Performance requirements include a top speed of 35+ knots, a cruising speed of 28 knots, and the ability to maintain 15+ knots against the Rio Grande current. It needs positive flotation, stability for person-in-water recovery, and a less than 10-inch deadrise bottom. Mechanical systems specify a single gasoline outboard propulsion (a mix of 20 jet and 5 propeller-driven), 4-6 hours of operation, hydraulic steering, and a two-battery electrical system. The boat will feature a monohull High-Density Polyethylene hull, a watertight center console, specific seating arrangements, law enforcement lighting, gear stowage, and a cable bar. It must also be easily deployable/recoverable from land and water and transportable on highways up to 65 mph and on gravel roads.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Border Security Boat – Shallow Water River. This RFI is for market research to gather information on available crafts for law enforcement operations, specifically for Drug and Migrant Interdiction. The USCG is interested in existing designs or modifiable crafts, including those under federal contracts. Key inquiries include the ability to incorporate a cable bar and removable weather protection, innovative features, and production capabilities for an operational test boat within one month, followed by two boats per month, aiming for a fleet of 25 within a year. The RFI also seeks details on lifecycle support, warranty terms, cost estimates (ROM), company size, socio-economic status, payment terms, and security provisions. Responses are for planning purposes only and do not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. Responses should be sent to William.E.Lewis3@uscg.mil.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on November 10, 2025, to gather market research for the future acquisition of the Border Security Riverine (BSR). The USCG is seeking industry information on available crafts or designs that can meet their requirements for a shore-based boat primarily used in Law Enforcement operations, including Drug Interdiction (DI) and Migrant Interdiction (MI). The RFI poses questions regarding existing designs, modifications, integration of protective features like a cable bar and removable canopies, innovative industry practices, and production capabilities (delivery timelines for operational test boats and subsequent fleets). Additionally, the USCG is interested in lifecycle support, warranty terms, cost estimates for initial and subsequent boats, company size and socio-economic status, payment terms, and security provisions. Responses are for market research and planning purposes only and do not constitute a commitment for a contract award.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is conducting market research for its Border Security Riverine (BSR) acquisition, seeking industry information on available options to meet its requirements. The BSR is a shore-based boat primarily for Law Enforcement operations, including Drug and Migrant Interdiction on the Rio Grande. Key physical constraints include a length of 18-22ft and a maximum trailered beam of 8ft 6in. It must operate in riverine environments with as little as 2 inches of water, withstand frequent bottom contact, and function in temperatures from 32F to 110F. Performance requirements include a top speed of 35+ knots, a cruising speed of 28 knots, and the ability to maintain 15+ knots against the Rio Grande current. The BSR needs positive flotation, stability for person-in-water recovery, and a less than 10-inch deadrise bottom. Mechanical systems specify a single gasoline outboard propulsion, with a fleet mix of 20 jet propulsion and 5 propeller-driven units, protected by a raised outboard or jet propulsion unit above keel level. It requires 4-6 hours of operational fuel, hydraulic steering, and two batteries. The hull must be High Density Polyethylene monohull with a watertight center console, seating for a coxswain and two crew, flashing blue law enforcement lights, navigation lights, a front LED headlight, mesh stowage, and a cable bar. The trailer must facilitate deployment and recovery from boat ramps and enable road transport at speeds up to 65 mph on highways.